How to Tip in Thailand: When, Where, and How Much is Appropriate

Tipping in Thailand is not as customary or expected as it is in countries like the United States, but it is increasingly appreciated, especially in tourist areas. The key is to understand the context and be respectful.

Here’s a clear guide on when, where, and how much to tip in Thailand.

The Golden Rule of Tipping in Thailand

There is no obligation to tip. However, tipping for good service is a generous and welcomed gesture. It is seen as a tangible "thank you" rather than an expected part of a worker's wage.

Never feel pressured, and don't stress about getting the exact amount "right." The intention is what matters most.

General Tipping Guidelines by Situation

1. Restaurants & Street Food Stalls

This is the most common situation where tipping questions arise.

• High-End or Tourist-Focused Restaurants:

  • Situation: The bill often comes with a service charge (usually 10%). This is increasingly common in Bangkok, Phuket, and fine dining establishments.

  • What to do: Check your bill first. If a service charge is included, an additional tip is not necessary. If you received exceptional service, leaving the small change (20-100 THB) in the bill folder is a nice gesture.

  • If no service charge is added: Leaving a tip of 20-100 THB, or simply rounding up the bill, is very appreciated. For example, if your bill is 380 THB, paying 400 THB and saying "keep the change" is perfect.

• Local Eateries & Cafes (No Service Charge):

  • Situation: Casual restaurants, family-run places, and cafes.

  • What to do: Tipping is less common but still kind. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change (20-50 THB) in the tray the bill comes on is sufficient.

• Street Food Stalls & Food Courts:

  • Situation: You pay cash directly for inexpensive food.

  • What to do: Tipping is not expected. The price is the price. However, if you are a regular or want to show appreciation, you can tell the vendor to keep the change from a small bill (e.g., your meal is 50 THB, you pay with a 100 THB note and let them keep the change).

2. Taxis & Rideshare Apps (Grab/Bolt)

• Taxis: Not expected, but highly appreciated. Drivers often do not have small change, so rounding up the fare is the most common practice.

  • Example: If the meter reads 87 THB, giving 100 THB and saying "keep the change" is a simple and generous tip.

  • For long journeys or if the driver was particularly helpful (e.g., with luggage), a tip of 20-50 THB is great.

• Grab/Bolt: Since you pay electronically, there is no need to worry about change. You can tip the driver in cash, following the same principle as with regular taxis (rounding up or 20-50 THB). The app may also have an optional "tip" feature after the ride.

3. Tour Guides & Drivers

• Tour Guides: Yes, tipping is customary and expected. For a full-day private tour, a tip of 300-500 THB per person is a good benchmark. For a half-day tour, 200-300 THB is appropriate. For a large group tour, you can tip less per person (e.g., 100-200 THB).

• Driver (for a tour or private car): It's thoughtful to tip the driver separately from the guide. A tip of 200-300 THB for a full day is generous.

4. Spas & Massage Parlors

• Situation: From inexpensive street-side massages to luxury hotel spas.

• What to do: Tipping is very common and appreciated.

  • Standard Thai Massage (200-400 THB): A tip of 50-100 THB is standard for a one-hour massage.

  • Luxury Spa Treatment (1,000+ THB): A tip of 10-15% of the bill cost is generous, or a flat 200-500 THB depending on the length and cost of the treatment.

  • How to tip: Place the tip directly into the therapist's hand in a discreet and respectful manner, often with a slight wai (bow) and a "khob khun ka/krap" (thank you).

5. Hotel Staff

• Bellhops/Porter: 50-100 THB per bag is a generous tip when they help you to your room.

• Housekeeping: This is often overlooked but greatly appreciated. Leave 20-50 THB per day in an obvious place in your room (e.g., on the pillow or desk) with a note to indicate it's for housekeeping.

• Concierge: Tipping is not expected for simple questions. If they go above and beyond (e.g., securing a hard-to-get reservation), a tip of 100-500 THB is appropriate.

How to Tip: Etiquette & Presentation

The manner of tipping is as important as the amount.

1. Be Discreet and Respectful: Avoid flaunting money. The best way is to place the tip neatly in the bill folder at a restaurant or to place it directly into the person's hand with a smile.

2. Use Clean, Crisp Bills: Worn-out or crumpled bills can be seen as disrespectful.

3. The "Wai": Do not expect a wai (the traditional Thai greeting with bowed head and pressed palms) in return for a tip. It is a sign of respect, not a transaction. A smile and a sincere "khob khun ka" (if you are female) or "khob khun krap" (if you are male) is perfect.

Quick Reference Tipping Chart

High-End Restaurants (Service Charge Included)

• Expected? No

• Suggested Amount: Keep small change (~20 THB) or no tip.

Local Restaurants (No Service Charge)

• Expected? Appreciated

• Suggested Amount: Round up the bill or give 20–100 THB.

Street Food Stalls

• Expected? No

• Suggested Amount: Pay the exact amount.

Taxi

• Expected? Appreciated

• Suggested Amount: Round up the fare (e.g., 87 THB → 100 THB).

Tour Guide (Full Day)

• Expected? Customary

• Suggested Amount: 300–500 THB per person.

Massage Therapist (1 Hour)

• Expected? Customary

• Suggested Amount: 50–100 THB.

Hotel Bellboy

• Expected? Appreciated

• Suggested Amount: 50–100 THB per piece of luggage.

Hotel Housekeeping

• Expected? Highly Appreciated

• Suggested Amount: 20–50 THB per day, leave in the room.

In summary: When in doubt, a smile and a sincere "thank you" go a long way. Tipping is a bonus, not a duty. Your generosity will always be met with gratitude.